A Reform UK councillor has defected to the Tories after changing into “uncomfortable” with Nigel Farage’s celebration.
James Buchan stated he needed to have the ability to “look my family in the eye and say, ‘that’s not who I am'” after his former celebration introduced plans to scrap indefinite go away to stay.
The Dartford Borough councillor, who received his seat for Reform in a by-election in July, stated the coverage creates a “huge amount of fear and anxiety”.
He additionally accused the celebration of getting “a pretty unfortunate way of treating people”.
Picture:
James Buchan. Pic: Dartford Borough Council
In a press release, Mr Buchan stated: “I stood for election with the sole aim of working for my community and getting things done for local families.
“Having had the chance to see Reform from the within, I’ve concluded that the celebration does not actually have the expertise or ambition to try this.”
He said “counting on rhetoric and slogans is not going to assist actual households in communities” like his and “the extra I noticed of Reform UK, the extra uncomfortable I felt to be a part of it”.
“Issues like a proposal to take away indefinite go away to stay from all non-EU residents who’re working right here completely legally is an instance that might be devastating for respectable individuals who have constructed a life right here and contribute to our nation,” he added.
Earlier this yr Reform introduced it could axe indefinite go away to stay and exchange it with new visas that might require migrants to reapply to reside within the UK as a part of plans to tighten immigration.
Conservative council chief Jeremy Kite welcomed Mr Buchan, who represents the Stone Home ward, to the celebration.
“James knows that getting elected isn’t about power, it’s about service and being supportive of people,” he stated.
“We look forward to winning this seat back as soon as possible.”
